Technology Literacy Collaborative

Created: November 2008       Last Updated: October 2011

Overview: This course is designed to introduce computers at a slow and non-demanding pace so participants can become familiar with computer terms and operation. Welcome to Computers was originally designed with the aging population in mind, but has served well working with adults with disabilities. The course focuses on helping participants get comfortable with computers and introducing them to the information available on the Internet, including the connection to family and friends. This class is easily adaptable for a variety of populations.

Typical Schedule: 4 Sessions – 1.5 Hours Each

Operating System: Windows XP

Session topics include:

• Introduction to the Keyboard and Mouse
• Introduction to Opening Computer Programs
• Introduction to Opening the Internet and Visiting a Web Site
• Introduction to E-mail

Students will learn the basics of using a computer. This class is intended for people that have little to

no exposure with computers.

Students can be directed to https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/computer-basics/ for further guidance and resources.

The PTE Technology Workshops were created to teach students the tools needed to properly find a job using available technology tools. This workshop coveres how to use the basics of Word 2007 to make a resume, how to use various job search sites successfully and how to use Email properly in a job search setting.

This workshop is taught twice a week, 90 minutes per class, for four weeks. The topics include:

Week 1: Using word for Resumes

Week 2: Using the Internet for Job Search 1

• Indeed.com and Search Engines
• Craigslist.org and Internet Safety

Week 3: Email and Email Correspondence

• Email Correspondence
• Email Etiquette and Email Attachments

Week 4: Using the Internet for Job Search 2

• Job Connect and National vs. Local Job Search Sites
• Non-Profit Job Board and using specific job search sites

This is a youth-oriented (ages 10-16, but good for adults also) curriculum on Scratch, a computer game creation program. It's an educational programming language that allows people of any experience background and age to experiment with the concepts of fully versatile computer programming by using an alterable GUI. The curriculum takes an approach of learning Scratch by making a specific game with it, and then customizing it. It is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. Scratch can be installed and freely redistributed on any computer. The source code is made available under a license that allows modifications for non-commercial uses.

A thorough slideshow presentation designed to introduce beginners to the computer: living in the information age, fun facts about computers & internet, basic computer types, hardware, software

This Lesson Plan includes two Handouts:

The Mac Operating System:  This handout gives students information about the basics of the Mac Operating System.  It will probably require some explaining on the teacher's end and some practice on the student's end, but it should be something that students can refer back to.  During the first half of class I let students practice changing their computer's settings and opening new files and windows.  

Practice Customizing your Computer:  This is a set of challenges for the students to practice using the Mac.  In the past I have let students try the first challenge, and if one of them completes it, have that student explain it to the rest of the class.  This will give students a chance to practice giving and taking directions on using the computer.

Introduction to Computers running a Vista OS: desktop navigatin, folders, toolbars, and more using screenshots of Vista-specific buttons and menu options

Included is PPL's curriculum and instructor manuals for the Computer Basics series. The series runs for 4 days every two weeks. Each day is devoted to a different lessons and they are as follows: